Package filling machine



Jan. 17, 1939. M1 R. FRAZIER 2,144,569

PACKAGE FILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR, Map-LU R -Fr"az.-i.ar-

ATTORNEY.

Jan. 17, 1939. M'IR-F 'AZIER 2,144,569

PACKAGE FILLING MACHINE I I Filed Feb. 19, 1956 5 Sheets-Shet 2 BY WW I ATTORNEYS.

Jam. 17, 1939. M. R. FRAZIEIR 2,144,569

. PACKAGE FILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 DINVENTOR. Mar-Lon FLFP azie 1" ATTORNEY I Jan. 17, 1939. FRAZER 2,144,569

PACKAGE FILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 J'E'gEE. 209

WWW

ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 17, 1939. M. R. FRAZIER A PACKAGE FILLING MACHINE Filed Feb. 19, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet s I55 I36 I37 INVENTOR. Mariclh H.1 1" az'iep Patented Jan. l7, 1939 memes Fume moms Marion Robert Frasier, Belleville, N. J.

Application February 19, 1936, Serial No. 64,764 21 Claims. (Cl. 221-109) The present invention relates to machines for use in packaging a wide variety of materials such as powders, crystals, nuts, candies, seeds, pills, coilees, spices, etc., and has for its principal ohject the provision oi machines which accurately, quickly and quietly measure such merchandise and deliver same to packages, such as bass, envelopes, boxes, etc., which may be automatically or manually placed beneath the delivery spouts of the machines, and machines which may be easily cleaned, quickly adjusted to meet various requirements and which are compact and simple in operation so as to not require the attention of skilled workmen in order to operate and keep them in good running condition.

Another object oi the invention is to provide machines which are power driven, in contradistinction to those which are foot or hand operated, and which are quickly adjusted so as to set the operator's pace. By way of example, the machine may. be quickly adjusted to provide a rate of discharge per minute suitable to the ability of the operator, taking into consideration the particular material being measured. In a practical embodiment of the invention it has been found suitable to arrange for a rate of discharges of say either twenty, forty, sixty or eighty per minute. This may be accomplished by the use of novel gear assembly and indexing wheel as hereinafter described.

Another object of the invention is to provide as part of the equipment of the machines which are adapted for use in the packaging of various products or various size packages oi? the same product, a plurality of extensible cups for each machine which may be quickly, simultaneously and easily adjusted to provide various sizes of cells or chambers.

A further object of the invention is to provide 40 an improved delivery spout for use when filling bags, envelopes and the like which are usually packed, shipped and stored in flat condition, to facilitate quick opening or expanding of at least the mouth portions to receive the measured material delivered by the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for guiding the material into and leveling the measuring cups so as to avoid jamming of or damage to parts of the machine or the material passing thru. the machine, and to assure uniform quantities of materials in the series of cups..

A further object is to provide a gear assemblyand indexing wheel combination for ma- 6 chines of this character that will not jam even tho parts may have been accidentally or intentionally moved either before or during operation to positons which are not usual for a cycle of operation.

Another object, is to provide means for agitating the material in the hoppers oi the machines without churning or grinding oi the material to be measured and to render such means adjustable so that selection may be had to either continuously agitate or intermittently agitate only when a measuring cup is in communication with the feed hopper.

A further object is to provide means to eliminate the accumulation of surplus or overflowing material on parts of the machine by delivering such surplus or overflow to empty cups as fast as it is deposited.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a. part of this specification, and in which drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a package filling machine constructed according to the pres- 'ent invention and equipped with extensible measuring cups. v

Figure 2 is a detail view, partly in elevation and partly in vertical section of the machine shown in Figure 1, parts'being broken away to disclose some of the details.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is a detail view, partly in elevation and partly in vertical section of a modified form of delivery spout, and parts adjacent thereto, particularly suitable for use where a plurality of measuring cup discharges are to go into the same package p ced beneath the spout.

Figure is a similar view of a further modified form of delivery spout.

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectionalview onthe line 6.-6 of Figure 2 showing the relative position of parts for motion transmitting relation with the hopper agitator, when the machine is equipped for intermittent agitation of the material therein, the parts being in position for agitation.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing the motion transmitting mechanism in condition to render the agitator inactive.

Figures 8, 9, l0 and -11 are plan views of a selector device forming a part of motion transmitting means between the prime mover and a measure carrier with pins arranged for diilerent rates sixty and eighty, respectively, per minute.

Figure 12 is a detail view partly in vertical section and partly in elevation of a feed hopper and agitating mechanism associated therewith.

Figure 13 is a similar view showing means for detachably connecting an agitator arm to the drive shaft of the agitating mechanism.

Figures 14 and 15 are elevations of modified forms of agitating arms.

Figures 16 and 17 are views partly in plan and horizontal section, and partly in elevation and vertical section, respectively, of motion transmitting means for a modified form of agitating mechanism.

Figure 18 is a view partly in vertical sectionand partly in elevation of the motion transmitting means shown in Figures 16 and 17, and the modified agitating mechanism.

Figure 191s a horizontal sectional view on the line l9i9 of Figure 18 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of parts, before assembly, including a driven pulley and clutch device forming a part of the motion transmitting means between the prime mover and measure carrier.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a drive pulley for use on the shaft of the prime mover, to obtain different speeds in the driving of the machine.

Figure 22 is a detail view in elevation of the selector device and associated .parts.

Figure 23 is a detail view in part elevation and part vertical section of a measure carrier and associated parts, where the measuring units are not of the extensible cell or chamber type.

Figure 24 is a similar view with diflerent measuring units associated with the measure carrier.

Figure 25 is a central vertical sectional view thru a collar brush difiering from the form shown in Figures 23 and 24.

Figure 26 is a view partly in plan and partly in horizontal section of a portion of the measure carrier, showing a spider having powder scrapers integral therewith.

Figure 2'1 is an'enlarged view in elevation of the spider substantially along the line 21-21, looking in the direction of the arrows, Figure 26.

Figure28 is a perspective view of a brush or stripper support, associated with the measure carrier.

Figures 29 and 30 are perspective views of strippers or brushes.

Figure 31 is a bottom plan view of the frame and brushes shown in Figures 28-30.

Figure 32 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 32-32 of Figure 2.

Figure 33 is a fragmentary perspective view of motion transmitting means whereby intermittent agitation of material in the feed hopper may be obtained.

Figure 34 is a view partly in plan and partly in horizontal section of a portion of the drive mechanism.

In the drawings, where like characters designate like or corresponding parts thruout the several views, A is the machine including a prime mover B, such as an electric motor; the material passing thru the machine; D a bag or other receptacle forthe material C measured by the machine; and, E a tray for catching material which may drop from the machine and not find its way into the receptacle D.

The machine A comprises a frame F; a measure of discharges-by way of example, twenty, forty,

carrier G; a, plurality of measure units .8 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or J as shown in Figure 23; or K as shown in Figure 24; a driven shaft L; motion'transmitting means M between the prime mover B and shaft L; motion transmitting means N between shaft L and carrier G; stripper means 0; a feed hopper P; means Q for supporting the hopper on the frame F and for adjusting the position of the hopper with respect to the measure carrier G; agitating mechanism It as shown in Figures 2, 12, 23 and 24 or B as shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18, in the hopper; motion transmitting means T between shaft L 'and the agitating mechanism; and, a delivery spout U as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, or W as shown in Figure 4, or X as shown in Figure 5, for different kinds of material.

The frame F preferably comprises a base plate 35 including an upstanding flange -or collar 35 near one end thereof providing a socket 31, and a large fiat area 38 for support of motor B; a vertical column 39 having its lower end portion secured in the socket 31 as by a set screw 31, the column provided with a longitudinal rib 49 at its intermediate portion, a longitudinally extending slot 4| near its upper end, and a hole 42 adjacent to and below the slot; and, a bracket 43 adjustably secured to the column and pro- Jecting laterally therefrom, preferably directly above the flange or collar 38 and extending from the side of the column opposite to the motor receiving area 38. The bracket 43 preferably includes a split sleeve portion 44 embracing the column and a bolt 45 for clamping the collar to the column; and, a main body portion 46 having three arms 41, 48 and 49 extending therefrom and a support sleeve 50 atthe end of arm 41. The support sleeve may be provided with a lug i having a transverse hole 52, for support of a delivery spout as hereinafter described.

The measure carrier G preferably comprises a revoluble standard 53 supported by arm 41 in any suitable manner and preferably as hereinafter described; a non-rotatable adjustable lower table 54, preferably disc-like in shape thru which the standard 53 extends; an adjustable support 55 on the standard below table 54; a detachable coupling 56 associated with table 54 and column 39; a rotatable upper table 51, also preferably disc-like in shape, above table 54; means 58 for coupling the upper table to standard 53 in an adjustable manner, and to rotate therewith; and, a spider 59 which may rest loosely upon table 54 and rotate with table 51, this spider preferably being used only with measuring units of the extensible cell or chamber type. The standard 53 preferably comprises a relatively long screw threaded intermediate portion 60, a reduced shank-like portion 6| forked at its lower portion to provide a .bottom opening slot 62, and upwardly tapering at its upper portion as at 63,

and a cylindrical head 64 at its upper portion surmounted by a reduced cylindrical stub 65, providing a shoulder 86, there being a screw threaded bore 61 extending downwardly thru the stub and open at the top of the standard. The table 54 is detachable from standard 53 and column 39, and table 51 is detachable from the standard since different types may be used with different types and sizes of measuring units. In Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 23, the table 54 is for use with measuring units H and J, which have cells of considerable size as compared with the cells of unit K shown in Figure 24, which are very small. Generally the table 54 comprises a hub 88 preferably carrying an anti-friction bearing 88 closely surrounding standard 58 either at head 84 or threaded-portion 88, and a flat web or table proper 18 upon which the measuring cups slide.

The web 18 has a single opening 1| for egress of material C in the measuring units as they pass over the opening. An upstanding annular flange 12 .may be provided integral with the'web 18 at its outer periphery, as shown in Figure 23, or an upstanding flange 18 may be detachably carried by the web 18 in a similar position, as shown in Figure 24. The adustable support 55 is preferably in the form of an internally screw threaded split sleeve 14, for threaded engagement with threaded portion 88 of standard 58, and provided with ears 15 for clamp screw 18, whereby the sleeve may be held in any of its many adjusted positions. The hub 88 or bearing 88 of table 54 rests upon sleeve 14,. and by releasing screw 18, sleeve 14 may be moved up or down on standard 53 thereby moving table 54 toward or from table 51. The coupling 58 which detachably associates the table 54 with column 88 preferably comprises an angularly disposed arm 11 secured to the table 54 by plate 18 and screw 18 at a point diametrically opposite from opening 1|, and jaws 88 in embracing relation to rib 48, the jaws capable of being drawn into tight engagement with the rib by thumb screw 8I. By this arrangement it is to be observed the table 54 is held against rotation inany of its many adjusted positions,

and the standard 53 is rotatably supported intermediate its ends thru the hub or anti-friction bearing. However, the table 54 may be quickly detached from the standard and column for cleansing purposes. Generally the table 51 comprises a hub portion 82, preferably of a harder and heavier material than a web or table portion 88 which it carries with it in its rotation with standard 58. In Figure 23, the hub portion 82 is rigid with the web portion 88 and comprises a base 84 normally resting on shoulder 88, having a tight fit with web 83, and. a reduced upstanding annular flange 85 providing a shoulder 88. The web portion has an inner annular upstanding flange 81 and an outer annular upstanding flange 88 providing a relatively wide annular channel 8 88 open at the top of the table in which brushes of stripper means 0 operate as hereinafter described: The web has a plurality of openings 88 spaced equi-distant from each other and from the axis of standard 53, these openings being in communication with channel 88. In the example shown, there are four of such openings thru which material C passes into the measuring units. In Figure 24, the hub portion 82 is not rigid with web or table portion 83, but nevertheless it carthe channel 88 with which openings 88 have communication, it being understood that the form shown in Figure 24 is particularly well adapted for use with measuring units having relatively small cells. Means 58 for coupling the upper table to the standard may comprise a head 88 having a hand gripping portion 84 at its upper end, and a flange at its lower portion; and, a screw threaded shank 88 for threaded engagement in bore 81. Assuming that table 51 rotates clockwise when viewed from above, itv is preferred to provide shank 88 with a left hand thread thus .tending to keep flange 85 flrmly upon flange 85 and the table coupled to the standard. The

' spider 58 is particularly well adapted for use with measure units H, which are of the adjustable typ and functions to equally space the lower portions of the units; permit the use of relatively thin material in the production of said units and otherwise assists in providing a smooth running machine. It preferably comprises a plurality of annular sleeves 81, in number corresponding to the number of measure units used during operation of the machine, each sleeve having an internal annular flange 88 at its bottom providing a seat 88 for a part of the measure unit as hereinafter described, anda discharge opening I 88 for the material C. The sleeves 81 are held in proper spaced relation by webs I8I having a central opening I82 to clear the hub 88. The, spider 58 may be provided with scraper flngers I88, one for and preferably integral with each sleeve 81, adapted to move fluent material, such-as. powder, which may escape from beneath the measure units onto the web 10, into the discharge spout. These flngers project from the lower portions of the sleeves, bear upon the table 54, extend to points closely adjacent the flange 12, and have a leading edge I84 extending from flange 12 into the path of measuring unitsabove the discharge opening I82, so as to guide such stray material into the discharge spout as the spider revolves.

Referring now to the measure units H shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 2, these are particularly well adapted to cover most of the ounce discharges. Each' preferably comprises an upper tubular shell I 85 carried by and depending from table 51, telescoped by a lower tubular shell I 88 providing cells or chambers I81. Each shell I 88 rests on the seat 88 of its respective sleeve of spider 58. By raising or lowering the table 51, as by use of adjustable support 55, the size of the cell or chamber I81 may be varied. The shells I85 may each be provided with an outstanding annular flange l88 at its upper end, secured to the under side of the web portion 83. The upper end of each shell I85 may be provided with an outstanding flared annular flange I88 which avoids material friction between the two shells during adjustment to enlarge or diminish the cell or chamber I81. The proportions both as to height and diameter of the shells I 85 and I88 and of sleeves 81 of spider 58 are merely by way of example, it being understood that shells of much larger proportions may be used so as to have a capacity of a pound or even more, altho' for large packages it is best to use the discharge of a plurality of measure units for fllling each package. As a typical example of the size of measure units H, in actual reduction to practice it has been found that the upper tubular shells I85 may depend from the table 51 slightly more than one-half inch, while the lower tubular shells I88 may be furnished in sizes varying from up to 4%" in height, the diameter or! the cells while remaining constant, an adjust ment of substantially in height may be obtained by such series. Larger cups may be provided, where the upper tubularshell I85 depends from table 51 say 1 and sets of lower tubular shells may be provided which in height vary from 1" to 8%" in height, the diameter of the cells way of example, vary from to 1%".

particularly well adapted for use with the same I lower and upper tables 54 and 51 shown in Figure 2, and also to use spider 59 and the upper tubular shells I05. The capacity of these measuring units may also be slightly varied as hereinafter noted. The measure units J are for small discharges, but not the very small discharges since the measure units K are for the latter, and will be subsequently described. Units J each comprise a cylindrical body H having an axially disposed cell or chamber II I open to the top face H2 and the bottom face of the body, and a filler sleeve H3. The body H0 is of reduced diameter at its bottom to provide a downwardly facing shoulder H4 and has a flange I I5 about the lower end of cell I I I which rests on the web of table 54, thereby reducing friction and the liability of material escaping from the cell except when open to the discharge spout. The filler sleeve H3 fits between cylindrical body H0 and sleeve 91 of spider 59, the flange H6 resting on seat 99. This filler sleeve H3 takes the place of lower tubular shell I35 in its relationship to the spider. The cylindrical body H0 rests with its shoulder H4 on flange H5. The diameter of the cells Hi in different sets of cylindrical bodies H0 may, by The slight adjustment which may be had by use of measuring units J is accomplished by initially having the top face H2 of each body H0 flush with the bottom of channel 89, as shown in Figure 23. Then, by lowering the table 54, the body I I0 drops so that its top' face H2 is slightly below the bottom of the channel. Thus additional material accumulates on the top of the cylindrical body H0, but only the core of the additional amount drops out of said body when the discharge spout is reached, the remaining material being carried on for other cycles of operation.

The measure units K are for very small discharges. Each is preferably a single disc-like member having a flange H1 and an axially disposed cell or chamber H8 open to the top face H9 and bottom face I20. The upper part of the body fits openings 90 as shown in Figure 24. It has been found practical to have the cell or chamber H8 of a capacity as low as one-hundredth of a teaspoonful. When using these units K, the table 54 should be adjusted by movement of the adjustable support 55 so that there is a space at I2I, between the hub face 9| and the flange 81 of about the thickness of an ordinary post card. In actual reduction to practice it has been found that these units may be made in various sizes, varying from to 1" in height, and with the cells varying in diameter from to 1%".

In connection with both types of measuring units J and K, a change may be had by merely lowering the table 54 sufficient to permit removal of the measuring units previously used and the substitution of those which it is desired to use and again adjusting the table 54 upwardly to the desired extent. Slight adjustments in discharge of measuring units K may also be had in a manner similar to that described in connection with units J.

The driven shaft L is horizontal and is supported by spaced bearings I22 and I23 detachably mounted on the arms 48 and 49, respectively, of

- bracket 43. The shaft has end portions I24 and I25, and an intermediate portion I25, to receive parts of motion transmitting means as hereinafter described. v

The motion transmitting mechanism M comprises a pulley I21 on the drive shaft I23 of motor 13, a pulley I29 slidable longitudinally on the end portion I24 of driven shaft L, a belt I30 trained about pulleys I21 and I28, and a clutch device I3I. The pulley I21 may be changed end for end on the motor shaft to get different speeds. As an example, the large end I32 receiving the belt I30 may be used -for speeds of 20, 40, 60 and 80 discharges per minute, and the small =end I33, receiving the belt, may be used for speeds for 15, 30, 45 and 60 discharges per minute. To take up undesirable slack in belt I30, the screw 3'! may be released and the bracket 43, moved thru a slight arc, as is clear from an inspection of Figures 6 and 7, after which screw 31 should be tightened. The clutch device I3I comprises a nut I34 secured on the end of shaft L, preferably by use of a lock nut I35, the nut I34 having teeth I35 for cooperation with teeth or pins I31 on the hub of pulley I29, an expansion spring I38 interposed between the nut I36 and hub of the pulley, tending to throw the teeth I36 and I31 out of engagement, and a cam device I33 for moving pulley I29 and the teeth into driving engagement. The cam device I39 comprises. a hook-shaped cam I40, the throw side I4I of which is adapted to engage an anti-friction bearing I42 encircling shaft L and associated with the hub of pulley I29, the cam being pivotally mounted on the upper portion of bearing I22 by a pivot pin I43 paralleling shaft L and operating in a bore I44 in said bearing I22; a lever I45 secured to the cam I40; and, a spring I46 surmounted on bearing I22 having a bill I41 adapted to engage a flat surface I48 on the end of pin I43 when the cam is forcing teeth I36 and I31 into driving engagement. By lowering lever I45 spring I33 will expand, forcing the pulley I29 and bearing I42 toward bearing I22, disengaging the teeth I31.- The bill I41 of spring I46 will then ride on a curved'portion of the pin I43.

The motion transmitting mechanism N comprises a worm I49 secured to shaft L between bearings I22 and I23, a fixed upright shaft I50 carried by brackets 43; a worm wheel I5I rotatable on shaft I50 and meshing with worm I49; a selector or indexing device I52 mounted on shaft I50, upon and movable with worm wheel I5I, and one or more drive pins I53 adapted to be disposed in any one of openings, in the example shown, six in number, designated I54, I55, I56, I51, I53 and I59, located at and extending thru the rim I60 of a wheel I6l and equidistant from the axis of shaft I50; and, a star wheel I62 secured to standard 53, as thru cross pin I53 carried by ,a depending sleeve I34 of the star wheel fitting in the support sleeve 50 of bracket 43, this pin I63 fitting slot 52 in the lower end of standard 53. The star wheel comprises a disc.- like body portion I65 and a plurality of radial ribs I66 for cooperation with the pin or pins I53 carried by the selector or indexing device I52. A safety or non-jamming mechanism I51 may centered between bearings I22 and I 23, and the I shaft L held against longitudinal movement, by

form a part of this motion transmitting mechaspacing sleeves I68 and I89, as shown in Figure 34. Each pin I 53 preferably comprises a head I18, a shank I'll and a conical lower end portion I12, shown more in detail in Figure 22. The wheel I6I is preferably provided with an annular recess I13 at its upper face in which may be placed those drive pins I53 which may not be used in theoperation of the machine, some such pins being shown in the recess, in Figures 8, 9 and 10. The number of radial ribs I66 on the star wheel I62 correspond to the numberof measuring units associated with the measure carrier.. In the present example, four of such ribs are shown, which have beveled outer ends I14 upon which the conical end portion I12 of any of the drive pins I53 may ride, if the star wheel happens to come to rest with the beveled outer I end of the rib directly in the path of the drive pins. The safety or non-jamming mechanism I61 may comprise a pressure applicator or plate I15 bearing upon the head I18 of any or all of the drive pins I53 carried by the wheel I52, a detachable cap I16 on the upper end of shaft I58; and, an expansion coil spring I11 interposed between cap I16 and pressure applicator or plate I15. In Figure 22 one of the drive pins I 53 is;

shown riding up the beveled outer end 114 of one of the ribs I65. This view alsoshows the pressure applicator or plate I15 lifted, compressing spring I11. As the wheel I 52 continues to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow, the drive pin referred to will ride upon the top'of the rib I56 and finally slide off same in readiness to operate the measure carrier G, as soon as the said drive pin engages the next adjacent rib of the star wheel. By removing cap I16 and spring I11, as well as the pressure applicator or plate I15, access may be had to the recess I13 in wheel I52 in order to make use of, drive pins I53 stored therein, .or place such pins loosely therein, when not in use. Figures 8-11 show typical uses of the drive pins. In Figure 8 one pin is located in opening I54, the other pins being in the recess I 13. This is the arrangement suitable for driving the measure carrier at a speed whereby but twenty discharges per minute will be had. In Figure 9 two drive pins are in use, in openings I54 and I55. This is an arrangement suitable for forty discharges per minute. In Figure 10, drive pins are located in openings I54, I56 and I51, an arrangement suitable for sixty discharges per minute, and finally in Figure 11, the drive pins are shown in openings I54, I55, I58 and I59 which may bring about eighty discharges per minute. The foregoing is merely by way of example and of course with the assumption that the belt I38 is received by the large end I32 01 pulley I21. If the small end I33 of pulley I21 receives the belt, the corresponding pin arrangement shown in Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 may be for discharge speeds of fifteen, thirty, forty-five and sixty discharges per minute. I

In order that the motion transmitting mecha- I nism N between the shaft L andthe carrier G may cause one of the' measuring units to dwell or come to rest beneath the hopper P and one of the measuring units above the delivery spout U, or W, or X, as the case may be, the procedure is to loosen head 93 and start the machine as by operation of lever I45. until one of the pins I53 has reached the position shown in Figure 6, that is, at the end of one of the ribs I66,,the direction of rotation of the parts being indicated by arrows. The machine should then be stopped by again operating lever I45 and upper table 51 rothe web portion of thetable.

tated until one of the measuring units is directly under the feed hopper and the diametrically opposite measuring unit directly over the delivery spout, whereupon means 58 may again be opera recess I98 at its end portion I9I, said recess preferably bounded by a flange I92 acting as an abutment for the stripper brush I83; and, innerand outer arcuate flanges I93 and I94, respectively, struck from the hub center and depending from the web portion I86 at either side of the openings I81 and I89, and recess I98.

It is to be noted that strippers I8I,, I82, I83 and I84 have soft bristles, that is, non-metallic bristles, so all metal connection is avoided in the actual transfer of the product to the measuring units and in leveling such units. There is nothing to shear or injure delicate products as the filled measuring units pass .from beneath the hopper and travel to the delivery spout.

The stripper or brush I8I shown in Figures 23 and 24 is well adapted for use with coarse products. It includes a sleeve I95, the internal diameter of which is such as to slide easily on the lower portion of the feed hopper, as hereinafter described, and having at its lower portion an enlargement or flange I96, the external diameter of which fits nicely in opening I89 of frame I88; and a series of tufts of bristles I91,

which are relatively long but closely spaced. An

sembly.

The adjustable abutment I98, comprising a divided ring 288, embracing the lower portion of the feed hopper, and having a screw 28I for I clamping relation on the lower portion of the feed hopper may well be used where the product tends to flood the table 51. It may be adjusted on the lower part of the hopper so as to hold either of the strippers I8I or I84 snugly against These stripper brushes perform the first leveling operations as is obvious from an inspection of the drawings.

The stripper I82 is used for final accurate leveling. It is preferably held in place with its head 282 in opening I81 by set screws 283 passing horizontally thru a portion of flange I88 as shown in Figures 28 and 31. For coarse products this stripper should be raised so that its bristles 284 are spaced slightly from the web portion of the table 54, to prevent its wiping the products out of the measuring The hub I85 loosely embraces upstanding annular flange 85 of hub portion 82, and rests upon shoulder 88. Outer flange I94 may also ride on flange 88, as shown in Figures 23 and 24 and if desired, inner flange I93 may ride upon inner annular upstanding flange 81 as shown in Figure 23. The opening I81 is so located in frame I80 as to dispose the brush with itsseries of bristles in a line diagonally across the path of any surplus material projecting above the upper margin of the cells of the measuring arm 208 and its curved terminal 209 carries a.

seriesof tufts of bristles 2, there being a V shown at 2I2 for the guiding of material into the empty cells. The series of bristles 2I 3 on the curved terminal '209 are preferably diagonally disposed, as shown in Figures 29 and 31, so that when this stripper is in place in recess I90, this series of bristles 2I3 will bear against and conform to the inner wall of flange 88, tending to direct material on the web portion. of the upper 'table toward the openings or cells of the measuring units. The stripper I83 is preferably disposed loosely in the recess I 90 engaging the flange I92 and holds its position due to its own weight and the direction of rotation of the upper table. The stripper I83 serves merely to return excess products to the empty measuring units.

A suitable feed hopper P may comprise an upper cylindrical band 2|5 with reinforcing ribs M8 and. 2H at its top and bottom, respectively, a funnel-like main body portion 2I8 beneath and secured to band H5, and a hopper spout. or tubular neck 2I9 at its lower portion. It is this hopper spout or tubular neck 219 that may receive the adjustable abutment I98 and the sleeve portion of either stripper I8l or I84, at its exterior. The means Q for supporting the hopper by column 39 and for adjusting the position of the hopper relative to the measure carrier G will now be described. It preferably comprises a bracket 220 including-a sleeve portion I to embrace the column 39 and provided with a notch 222 open at its lower margin 223, a web or flange 224 laterally of the sleeve portion connecting same with the side of hopper P, as by plate 225 and bolt 228; and, an adjustable abutment 221 carried by the column. A typical example of means for adjusting the position of abutment 221 is shown in Figure 32, where the abutment extends thru the slot 4| in the column and is nal slot 229, receiving the shank 230 of a bolt 23I, with a thumb nut 232 on the end of the bolt opposite its head 233. The shank 230 of the bolt also extends thru the hole 42 in the column, and the head 233 abuts one face of the bar 228. By loosening thumb nut 232, the abutment 221 may be raised or lowered in slot 4|. When the sleeve portion 22I of means Q is received on the end of the column, the abutment 221 may be received in the notch 222 thus preventing the bracket 220 from rotating on the column and limited in the extent it may move downwardly on the column, by the location of abutment 221. For nearly all seeds, the hopper may be left at its lowest point. However, for some of the very coarse seeds, smoother operation is obtained when the hopper is further away from the table 54.

Various approved types of mechanisms for agitating products in the hoppers are illustrated and these cover the range of all free and semi-free flowing products.

In Figures 2, 12, 23 and 24, agitating mechanism is shown particularly well adapted for'use 'with.very free flowing products, such as seeds.

It includes a horizontal rigid frame 235 detachably secured in the hopper. In any suitable manner, preferably to the band 2I5 and radially thereof. The frame includes a downwardly projecting rib 238 which has integral therewith a downwardly arched casing 231 describing substantially a quarter circle, with a way 238 therein for a flexible section 239 of a drive shaft. The upper opening of way 238 is laterally of the hopper and the lower opening is downwardly in the hopper communicating with a way 240 of a downwardly projecting tube 24I carried rigidly by casing 231. The upper end of shaft section 239 is connected to a pulley 242 while its lower end is connected toa rigid shaft section 243 revoluble in tube 24I. This section 243 projects from the bottom of the tube where it is provided with a cross pin 244, a recess 245, an expansion spring 248 in the recess, and a plunger 241 having a head 248 movable in the recess and acting as an abutment for spring 248, and a shank 249 projecting from the end of section 24I as shown in Figure 13. The lower end of shaft section 243 may receive the sleeve portion 250 of a head 25I carrying a finger 252 slightly out of alignment with the axis of sleeve portion 250. In order to detachably hold this assembly to the shaft section 243, the sleeve portion 250 is provided with two bayonet slots 253 open to the upper margin of the sleeve portion, these bayonet slots adapted to receive the ends of pin 244 in the well known manner. The plunger 249 engages the bottom of recess 2540f sleeve portion 250 and the expansion spring 248 is slightly compressed, when pin 244 is at rest in the bayonet slots. This type of agitator finger is particularly well adapted for use where intermittent agitation of delicate or easily broken products, such as edible nuts is desired, or it may be used with continuous agitation for material such as dry seeds. In Figure 14 is shown a modified form of agitator finger, where the lower portion 255 is in obtuse angular relation to a straight portion 258 connected to head 25I. This may be substituted for the agitator finger shown in Figure 12, when the hopper feeds to relatively large measuring units. The modifica tion shown in Figure 15 comprising a straight shank portion 251 carried by head 25I and tines 258 at the lower portion of shank 251 is particularly well adapted. for use with measuring units having very small cells or chambers, such as the form shown in Figure 24. It works very close to the cups and works the product thereinto more effectively than a single tine or finger agitator.

For more sluggish flowing products like powders, the form of agitating mechanism S shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18 has been found best. It comprises a horizontal frame 280 supporting an upright shaft 28I carrying a worm wheel 282 at its upper end, and a horizontal shaft 263 carrying a worm 284 at its inner end meshing with worm wheel 282, and a pulley 285 at its outer end, the shaft, worm and worm wheel being suitably encased in a grease-proof manner. The lower end of shaft 28I carries a plurality of wire bails 288, each preferably having a horizontal portion 281 and a. diagonally and downwardly extending portion 288 terminating in a vertically disposed portion 289. The portion 268 sweeps close to the inside of the main body 2! of the hopper, while portion 269 sweeps near the inside of spout or neck 2 I9 as shaft 26I revolves. A diagonal rib or brace 210 may connect opposite portions 268, as shown in Figure 18. This type of agitator is particularly well adapted for continuous disturbance of products of that nature apt to pack in the hopper. It prevents merely spasmodic gravity flow of products such as ground spices, pulverized coffee and powders. The bails and brace sweep thru the material continuously slicing same and preventing the arching across the hopper. A rib 21I may be provided at the interior of the funnel-like main body portion 2l8 of the hopper and is particularly well adapted for. use where the product carries some oil such as pulverized coffee apt to lubricate the interior of the hopper and turn as a mass by movement of the agitator unless some barrier to free turning is interposed in its path. It is to be noted that this agitator may operate not only in a zone at and adjacent the delivery end of the hopper,

but also upwardly a considerable distance in the hopper.

If continuous agitation in the hopper is desired,

the motion transmitting means, including either pulley 242 or 265, may comprise a pulley 212 on shaft L, as shown in Figure 34-and an endless belt 213 trained about the selected pulley. However, where intermittent agitation is of importance so as to prevent constant churning and grinding of the products and to give full agitation only when actually required by gently disturbing the product when a measuring unit is below the hopper, the mechanism shown more in detail in Figures 6, '1 and 33 may be used. It comprises a pulley 215 normally free on the end I25 of shaft L, having an outer clutch face 216, a clutch member 211 rigid with end I25 of shaft L as byuse of set screw carried by its hub 219, the clutch member 211 having a clutch face 280 for cooperation with clutch face 216; a spring 28I nori'nally tending to separate clutch faces 218 and 280, being of the expansion type and interposed between pulley 215 and clutch member 211; an expansion spring 282, interposed between an abutment block.283 and pulley 215, this spring being somewhat weaker than spring 28I, but tending to move the pulley 215 toward clutch member 211; and, a cam member 284 associated with abutment block 283 and any one of the pins I53 of the selector device as shown more particularly in Figures 6 and '1. This cam member 284 has a stem 285 slidably supported by bearing I23 and which is connected to abutment block 283. The cam surface 286 is normally in 1 the path of movement of the one or more pins I53 carried by wheel I52 so that'in normal rota.- tion, as indicated by the arrows in Figures 6 and 7, the cam member ,284 will be moved longitudinally by engagement of the pin shank with the cam surface 288, forcing abutment block 283 toward pulley 215. The compression of spring 282 will overcome the expansive action of spring sufllcient to prevent arching of the product up in the body of the hopper.

If it is desired to render the mechanism shown in Figures 6, 7 and 33 inactive for intermittent agitation, the set screw 290 carried by abutment block 283 may be turned with its end engaging an abutment 29l on bearing I23 until the clutch faces 216 and 280 are engaged, thus carrying the cam face 288 out of the path of movement of the pin shanks. A lock nut 292 may be provided to hold set screw 290 in its adjusted position.

Spout U may be used for filling envelopes and similar small containers of' the bag type. It comprises a frusto-conical body portion 293, the upper horizontal end portion 294 of which is secured to an adapter or filler ring 295 fitting the opening H of the lower table. This ring 295 has ears 296 perforated to receive screw threaded shanks 291 projecting downwardly from the lower table adjacent the opening 1|. These shanks may receive relatively long nuts 298 shown in Figure 3 for clamping the ring 295 in place. Theother end of frusto-conical shell 2931s cut at an angle so as to lie in a plane in substantially right angular relation to the horizontal upper plane in which the upper end of the shell is disposed to provide an elliptical shaped delivery opening 299, and a depending lip 299. If envelopes, such as for seeds or powders are being filled, the operator holds a pack of envelopes D in, the left hand as shown in Figure 2 and moves the pack upward so the lip 298 enters the uppermost envelope and opens the same. After the discharge of fluent material into the envelope, the pack is lowered and the filled envelope is removed by use of the right hand.

The spout W shown in Figure 4 is particularly well adapted for use inv filling square cartons since it has the capacity to take several discharges, thereby preventing the backing up of products onto table 54. It comprises a frustopyramidal shell 300, and is disposed with its upper marginal portion 30I spaced a material distance below table 54. A bracke "302 is connected to one side of main body- 300 which. in turn is mounted upon a rod 303 adjustably carried by a bracket 304 secured to the lug 5|, as by pin or screw 305 passing thru the opening 52.

The spout X disclosed in Figure 5 is also well adapted for use when filling containers each of which is to receive a. plurality of discharges, and is particularly well adaptedfor use where the material measured is powder. It is secured to an adapter or filler ring 295 like in the example shown in Figure 3 and comprises a frusto-conical or pyramidal shell portion 306, and a tubular portion 301 therebelow, the lower end of which is cut to lie in an inclined plane as indicated at 308 so as to prevent'cutting off egress of fluent material in the spout, in the normal placing of a box or other container therebeneath. In the use of this spout, the product is discharged into the spout and the operatordraws the container off the lower portion as it becomes filled. Very little dust is raised in this way because the air in the container is exhausted as the product flows into the spout.

A dust-collector 89 is especially desirable when light flufiy powder or other material apt to be dusty is being discharged from the spout. It may comprise a hood 3! secured at its upper end to and about the spout portion 306 as by welding and provided at its open lower end with a hollow-frustum-shaped detachable bottom 3 having a resilient upstanding marginal flange M2 enabling the bottom 3 to be removably secured to the lower end of the hood An aperture 3| 3 is provided in the reduced upper portion of the frustum-shaped bottom whereby the open end of the product box may be positioned in the dustretaining chamber 3 of the hood. The tapering formation of the under side of the hollow frustum-shaped bottom acts to guide the product box thru the aperture and into the dust chamber. The frusto-conical or irusto-pyramidal shape of the bottom forms an annular or rectangular channel or valley 3I5 in which any dust blowing out at the top of the product box will settle.

I claim:

1. In a package filling machine, a frame including a column, a revoluble standard carried at its lower end by said frame, parallel to said column, and with its upper end free of said column, a vertically adjustable support secured to and revoluble with said standard, a plurality of measure units, a carrier for said measure units including a lower table and an upper table encircling and slidable on said standard, said lower table upheld by and rotatable relative to said adjustable support, with the measure units between said lower and upper tables and equi-distant from the axis of said standard, a slidable connection detachably coupling said lower table to said column to prevent rotation of the table, and means detachably coupling said upper table to and for rotation with the free end portion of said standard.

2. In a package filling machine, the combination of a revoluble screw threaded standard, a lower table encircling said standard and provided with a discharge opening, a nut-like adjustable support engaging the threads of said standard and said table for holding the table in various adjusted positions on said standard, means detachably securing the lower table against rotation in any of said adjusted positions, an upper table rotatable with said standard above said lower table, having a plurality of openings which may align in succeeding relation with said discharge opening, upper tubular shells carried by said upper table, projecting downwardly from and axially aligned one with each of the openings of the upper table, and lower tubular shells carried by and telescoping said upper tubular shells to form fluent material receiving cells, said lower tubular shells limited in their' downward movement by said lower table.

3. In a package filling machine, the combination of a standard, a foot bearing for revolubly and detachably receiving said standard, a lower table encircling said standard and provided with a discharge opening, a vertically adjustable support on said standard engaging said table for holding the table in various vertical adjusted positions on said standard, means detachably securing the lower table against rotation in anyoi' said adjusted positions, an upper'table rotatable with said standard above said lower table, having a plurality of openings which may align in succeeding relation with said discharge opening, upper tubular shells carried by said upper table, projecting downwardly from and axially aligned one with each of the openings or the upper table.

and lower tubular shells carried by and telescoping said upper tubular shells to form fluent material receiving cells, said lower tubular shells limited in their downward movement by said lower table.

4. In a package filling machine, the combination of a non-rotatable table provided with an upstanding annular flange and a discharge opening to one side of the axis of said flange, a spider rotatably supported on said table concentricwith said flange, a plurality of measure units carried by said spider which align in succeeding relation with said discharge opening-as said spider rotates, and scraper fingers carried by' said spider, each finger having a leading edge extending from closely adjacent said flange into the path of said measure units above the discharge opening to guide stray fluent material on the table into its discharge opening.

5. In a package filling machine, the combination of a movable table carrying a plurality of measure units having cells open to the upper face thereof, a tubular member spaced above said table thru which fluent material to be measured passes toward said table, said tubular member located with its axis in the path of movement of said measure units, and a stripper brush en- 7 circling said tubular member with bristles pointing downwardly toward the table top to guide the material into and substantially level same in said cells.

6. In a package filling machine, the combination of a revoluble table carrying a plurality of measure units having cells open to the upper face thereof, said units spaced equi-distant from the axis of rotation of the table, means for delivering fluent material into the cells one by one as the table revolves, and an elongate brush above said table with its longitudinal axis diagonally across the path of surplus fluent material on said table and projecting above said cells. and with the brush end leading in the direction of rotation of the table nearest the axis of rotation of the table, so as to guide the surplus fluent material toward the table center.

7. In a package filling machine, the combina tion of a revoluble table carrying a plurality of measure units having cells open to the upper face thereof, said units spaced equi-distant from the axis of rotation of the table, means for delivering fluent material into the cells one by one as the table revolves, and an elongate vertically adjustable brush above said table with its longitudinal axis diagonally crosswise the path of surplus fluent material on said table and projecting above said cells, to brush such surplus fluent material to one side and substantially level the fluent material in said cells.

8. In a package filling machine, the combination of a movable table carrying a plurality of measure units having cells open to the upper face thereof, means for delivering fluent material into said cells one by one as the table moves, and a V-shaped stripper brush for moving surplus material carried by the table top into said cells, said brush having its bristles engaging the table top and its apex portion leading in the direction of movement of the table.

9. In a package filling machine, the combination of a revoluble tab-1e provided with spaced upstanding flanges located concentric to the axis of rotation of said table with a channel between said flanges, a plurality of measure units having cells open to said channel, means for delivering amuse fluent material into the cells one by one as the table revolves, and a stripper brush forv moving surplus material carried by the bottom of the table channel into said'celis, said brush including abrush back carrying a plurality of tufts of bristles in V-shape formation with its apex lead-. ing in the direction of rotation of the table and the arms extending toward said flanges, said bristles bearing upon the bottom of the table channel.

10. In a package filling machine, the combination of a revoluble table provided with spaced upstanding flanges located concentric to the axis of rotation of said table with a channel between said flanges, a plurality of measure units having cells open to said channel, means for delivering fluent material into the cells one by one as the table revolves, and a stripper brush for moving surplus material carried by the bottom of the table channel into said cells, said brush including a brush backcarrying a plurality of tufts of bristles in V-shape formation with its apex leading in the direction of rotation of the table and the arms extending toward said flanges, said bristles bearing upon the bottom of the table channel, and against the confronting walls of said flanges.

11. In a package filling machine, the combination of a revoluble table provided with spaced upstanding flanges located concentric to the axis of rotation of said table with a channel between said flanges, a plurality of measure units open to said channel, a tubular member spaced above said table thru which fluent material to be measured passes toward said table, said tubular member located with its'axis in the path of movement of said measure'units, a stripper support adjacent said tubular member having flanges resting upon said flanges of the table and supported thereby as the table rotates, and stripper brushes carried by said stripper support for leveling fluent material in said cells and guiding surplus material resting on the bottom of said channel into said cells. 12. In a package filling machine, the combination of a movable table carrying a plurality of measure units having cells open to the upper face thereof, a tubular member spaced above said table thru which fluent material to be measured passes toward said table, said tubular member located with its axis in the path of movement of said measure units, a stripper brush comprising a sleeve encircling said tubular member and movable up and down thereon, and bristles carried by said sleeve pointing downwardly toward the table top to guide the material into said cells, and an adjustable abutment for limiting upward movement of said stripper brush sleeves on said tubular member.

13. In a package filling machine, the combination of a non-rotatable taible having a circular peripheral edge and a discharge opening at one side of the center of said table, a spider rotatably supported on said table concentric with the peripheral edge thereof, a plurality of measure units carried by said spider which align in succeeding relation with said discharge opening as said spider rotates, and scraper fingers carried by said spider, each finger having a leading edge extending from adjacent said peripheral edge into the path of said measure units above the discharge opening to guide stray fluent material on the table into the discharge opening.

14. In a package filling machine, the combination of a movable table carrying a plurality of measure unit; having cells open to the upper face thereof, a tubular member spaced above said table thru which fluent material to be measured passes toward said table, said tubular member located with its axis in the pathof movement of said measure units, and a stripper brush including a sleeve portion encircling said tubular member, a sleeve-like flexible brushing portion projecting downwardlytoward the table top to guide the material into and substantially level same in said cells, and an outer skirt portion projecting below said sleeveportion and closely encircling said brushing portion whereby to confine the fluent material within the sleeve-like brushing portion.

15. In a package filling machine, the combination of a revoluble table carrying a plurality of measure units open to the upper face thereof and adapted to move the measure units along a circular path as the table revolves, means positioned along said path for delivering fluent material to said units, means positioned further along said path for diverting any surplus fluent material from said units, means positioned still further along said path for discharging the rean endless path, means positioned over a certain zone of said path for delivering successive charges of fluent material to said units, means positioned over a second zone further along said path for leveling said charge and diverting any surplus material from said units, 'means positioned at a third zone still further along said path for successively discharging the leveled charges from said units, and means positioned in a fourth zone still further along said path between said discharging means and said chargedelivering means for returning the surplus fluent material to said units prior to refilling thereof by said charge-delivering means.

17. In a package filling machine, a frame including a column, a revoluble standard carried by the frame, a vertically adjustable lower table carried by and encircling the standard, and provided with a discharge opening, a connection between the lower table and the column to prevent rotation of the lower table, an upper table thereabove, encircling and rotatable with the standard, and having a plurality of openings which may align in succeeding relation with said discharge opening, a horizontal spider bearing upon the lower table, encircling and free of said standard, and provided with a plurality of upwardly projecting sleeves, corresponding in number to and axially aligned with the openings. of the upper table, a lower tubular shell detachably carried by and projecting upwardly from each of said sleeves, and an upper tubular shell carfrom and axially aligned with each of the openings of the upper table, the said shells of aligned spider sleeves and upper table openings in telescopic relation and the spider propelled about the lower table by rotation of the upper table thru said shells. I

18. In a package filling machine, a frame, a hopper including a spout, an, agitator at least partially extending into said spout, a revoluble ried by said upper table, projecting downwardly connecting said measure carrier standard andshaft for actuating the measure carrier from the shaft.

19. In a package filling machine, a frame, a hopper including a spout, an agitator at least partially extending into said spout, a revoluble standard carried by the frame, a plurality of measure units each including an upper and a lower telescopically adjustable section, a measure carrier for said measure units comprising an upper table supporting the upper sections, fixed to rotate with the standard in a horizontal plane at a fixed distance below said agitator, and a lower vertically adjustable stationary table be neath the upper table and supporting the lower sections, a discharge spout, a prime mover, motion transmitting means operatively connecting said prime mover and revoluble standard so constructed and arranged as to cause the measure units to dwell, one by one, for a period of time beneath said hopper spout in their travel to the discharge spout, and motion transmitting means operatively connecting said prime mover and agitator for operating the latter particularly when there is a measure unit dwelling beneath the hopper spout.

20. In a package filling machine, the combination of a prime mover, a frame, a hopper including a spout, an agitator extending at least partially into said spout, a revoluble standard carried by the frame, a discharge spout, a plurality of telescopically adjustable measure units, a measure carrier for said measure units including an upper table fixed to rotate with the standard in a'horizontalplane at a fixed distance below said agitator, and a lower stationary table beneath the upper table and movable axially of the standard for adjusting the measure units, a driven shaft operated by said prime mover, motion transmitting means operatively connecting said shaft and measure carrier standard so constructed and arranged as to move the measure units one by one from said hopper spout to said discharge spout,.and motion transmitting means operatively connecting said shaft and agitator for intermittently operating the. latter.

' 21. In a package filling machine, the combination of a prime mover, a frame, a hopper including a spout, an agitator at least partially extending into said spout, a revoluble standard carried by 'the frame, a discharge spout, a plurality of telescopically adjustable measure units, a measure carrier for said measure units including an upper table fixed to rotate with the standard in a horizontal plane at a fixed distance below said hopper spout and a lower stationary table beneath the upper table and movable along the standard toward and away from the upper table for adjusting the measure units, motion transmitting means operatively connecting said prime mover and measure carrier standard, including a lost motion device to cause the measure units to dwell one by one for a period of time beneath said hopper spout in their travel to the discharge spout, and motion transmitting means operatively connecting said prime mover and agitator including a clutch and means operable by said first mentioned motion transmitting means to engage the clutch during approximately the period a measure carrier dwells beneath the hopper spout and release the clutch during substan-. tially the period when no measure unit is beneath the hopper spout.

MARION ROBERT FRAZIER. 

